A Legacy of Growth
ABCHZ was originally established to facilitate the dual listing of ABC Holdings Limited in both Botswana and Zimbabwe, and to consolidate the Zimbabwean subsidiaries under a non-operating holding company (NOHC) structure
Our journey began in 2000, born from a visionary merger between First Merchant Bank (FMB), UDC, and the Bard Group of Companies. FMB had earlier merged with Heritage Investment Bank, renowned for pioneering financial instruments like commercial paper, currency swaps, and corporate bonds.
Starting as a corporate and wholesale bank, we pivoted in 2008 to include retail banking, SME financing, and micro-lending. This transformation, funded entirely through internal resources, has made ABCHZ a universal banking force in Zimbabwe.
Our Origins and Growth
ABCHZ was originally established to facilitate the dual listing of ABC Holdings Limited in both Botswana and Zimbabwe, and to consolidate the Zimbabwean subsidiaries under a non-operating holding company (NOHC) structure. ABC Holdings Zimbabwe traces its roots back to the year 2000, following a complex but visionary merger between First Merchant Bank (FMB), UDC, and the Bard Group of Companies. Prior to this, FMB had itself merged with Heritage Investment Bank, a boutique merchant bank renowned for its innovation, in 1997. Initially focused on corporate and wholesale banking, the Group distinguished itself through its deep market insights and disciplined capital approach. In 2008, ABC Holdings Zimbabwe made a strategic shift, expanding into retail banking and launching a comprehensive suite of services including SME financing and micro-lending products. This expansion—funded entirely from internal resources—has significantly accelerated growth, transforming the Group into a universal banking powerhouse.
VISION

To provide relevant financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive.
MISSION

We are committed to creating exceptional customer experiences through smart products and transformative technologies.
VISION

To provide relevant financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive.
MISSION

We are committed to creating exceptional customer experiences through smart products and transformative technologies.
VALUES
Trust and transparency guide every decision we make.
We move fast to meet changing need.
We own our outcomes and stand by our promises.
Working together for shared success
Serving people, not just accounts.
Incorporation
Rhodesia Acceptances Limited is incorporated.
B.A.R.D Investments
B.A.R.D Investments (Private) Limited is incorporated.
RAL Merchant Bank
RAL changes its name to RAL Merchant Bank.
First Merchant Bank
RAL Merchant Bank Limited is renamed First Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe Limited.
Von Seidel Established
Von Seidel is established.
Heritage & FMB Merger
After the merging of Heritage IB & FMB the new entity continued with the name First Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe Ltd.
BARD Stockbrokers
Von Seidel Investment Brokers (Private) Limited is renamed BARD Stockbrokers.
BARD Stockbrokers Launch
BARD Stockbrokers is established.
BARD Asset Management
BARD Investment Services is renamed BARD Asset Management (Private) Limited.
ABC Zimbabwe Established
First Merchant Bank of Zim Ltd merged with Bard Discount House and UDC Ltd to establish African Banking Corporation Zimbabwe Limited.
ABC Zimbabwe
First Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe Limited is renamed African Banking Corporation of Zimbabwe Limited.
ABC Holdings
ABC Holdings (Zimbabwe) Limited is established.
ABC Asset Management
BARD Asset Management is renamed ABC Asset Management Private Limited.
ABC Stockbrokers
BARD Stockbrokers is renamed ABC Stockbrokers.
BancABC Launch
African Banking Corporation of Zimbabwe Limited launches its retail project trading as BancABC.
BancEASY
ABC Easy Loans Private Limited is established trading as BancEASY.

ABC Holdings (Zimbabwe) Limited (ABCHZ) was originally established to facilitate the dual listing of ABC Holdings (Zimbabwe) Limited in both Botswana and Zimbabwe, and to consolidate the Zimbabwean subsidiaries under a non-operating holding company (NOHC) structure

